UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY DUNDEE · UNITED KINGDOM
MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway)
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS Apply Direct
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 12-16 monthsDuration
- CIMA GatewayAccreditation Pathway
- Up to 11 exemptionsfrom 15 CIMA exams
- Direct entry to CIMA Management Level Case StudyExam pathway
- Develops strategic finance and leadership skillsKey focus
- Recognised UK Master's degreeQualification awarded
This Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting and Finance is specifically designed in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to offer an accelerated pathway to becoming a chartered management accountant. It equips you with advanced financial expertise, strategic management skills, and broader finance knowledge, preparing you for leadership roles where you can influence organisational strategy. The programme focuses on developing your ability to interpret complex financial data, advise senior leaders, and contribute to strategic decision-making. You will gain a contemporary understanding of performance measurement, risk management, and resource allocation, while also exploring the impact of environmental and sustainability challenges on financial decisions. The course emphasizes strengthening professional skills crucial for high-performing finance teams, such as analysis, presentation, teamwork, and influencing. This MSc is an ideal choice for individuals with an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related business field who wish to fast-track their career towards CIMA qualification. It is also suitable for finance professionals seeking a structured route into management accounting and strategic finance roles. Graduates are prepared for positions like management accountant, finance business partner, financial analyst, or finance manager across various sectors.
Curriculum
The MSc Accounting and Finance programme covers a range of core topics designed to build comprehensive financial expertise and strategic understanding. Learning is facilitated through a blend of guest lectures from industry professionals, case-based teaching using real-world international scenarios, lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical, presentation, and teamwork skills through group work and presentations, mirroring practical finance team operations. The structure shifts towards independent study and application of theory to business problems as the course progresses.
- Year 1
- Advanced management accounting and performance management
- Corporate finance and investment decision making
- Financial reporting and analysis in an international context
- Social, environmental and sustainability accounting
- Research methods for accounting and finance
- An independent project or dissertation linked to your career interests
Careers
The demand for accountants who can navigate the broader business environment, engage in forward planning, and manage risk is high globally. This MSc programme is designed to prepare you for roles where you directly contribute to strategic decisions, moving beyond traditional statutory reporting. Abertay's Careers Service provides dedicated support, including one-to-one guidance, assistance with CVs and applications, and employer events specifically for postgraduate students, helping you transition into your desired career.
- Management accountant
- Finance business partner
- Financial or business analyst
- Financial controller or finance manager
- Roles in consulting, internal audit or risk within larger organisations
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) programme?
- Applicants should hold a good undergraduate degree in accounting or a related business degree with significant accounting content. If unsure about suitability, you can contact the university admissions team to discuss your experience.
- How long does the MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) programme take to complete?
- The programme has a duration of 12-16 months.
- What is the tuition fee for international students and what does it cover?
- The programme fees for international students cover your first year's CIMA subscription fees, one attempt at the CIMA Management Case Study Exam, and access to CIMAstudy.com.
- What CIMA exemptions does this MSc programme offer?
- This programme offers up to 11 exemptions from CIMA exams, providing direct entry to the CIMA Management Level Case Study.
- How do I apply for the MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) programme?
- You apply directly to the University of Abertay Dundee. You will need to check eligibility, prepare documents like academic transcripts and degree certificates, and submit your application via their portal.
- When are the application deadlines for this programme?
- Application deadlines are usually around August for a September intake and around December for a January intake.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA good undergraduate degree in accounting or a related business degree with significant accounting content.
If you are unsure about your background suitability, you can contact the university admissions team to discuss your experience.
Fees
Tuition (international)Programme fees will cover your first year's CIMA subscription fees, one attempt at the CIMA Management Case Study Exam, and access to CIMAstudy.com.
Tuition (home)—
Living—
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet the academic and any specific entry requirements for the programme. If you are an international student, verify your undergraduate degree and English language proficiency.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, and potentially a CV or personal statement, depending on university requirements.
3. Submit ApplicationApply directly to the University of Abertay Dundee. Details on the application portal or process can be found on their official website.
4. Attend Interview (if required)Some programmes may require an interview as part of the selection process.
5. Receive OfferIf successful, you will receive an offer of admission. Review the terms and conditions carefully.
6. Accept Offer and Prepare for ArrivalAccept the offer and begin preparing for your studies, including visa applications (if applicable), accommodation, and familiarising yourself with university resources.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), offering significant exemptions from professional exams and direct entry to the Management Level Case Study exam.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) programme?
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Applicants should hold a good undergraduate degree in accounting or a related business degree with significant accounting content. If unsure about suitability, you can contact the university admissions team to discuss your experience.
How long does the MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) programme take to complete?
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The programme has a duration of 12-16 months.
What is the tuition fee for international students and what does it cover?
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The programme fees for international students cover your first year's CIMA subscription fees, one attempt at the CIMA Management Case Study Exam, and access to CIMAstudy.com.
What CIMA exemptions does this MSc programme offer?
+
This programme offers up to 11 exemptions from CIMA exams, providing direct entry to the CIMA Management Level Case Study.
How do I apply for the MSc Accounting and Finance (CIMA Gateway) programme?
+
You apply directly to the University of Abertay Dundee. You will need to check eligibility, prepare documents like academic transcripts and degree certificates, and submit your application via their portal.
When are the application deadlines for this programme?
+
Application deadlines are usually around August for a September intake and around December for a January intake.